Updated On: 15 July, 2025 04:48 PM IST | Tarun Verma
The historic Axiom-4 mission, which marked India`s return to human spaceflight after four decades, concluded successfully with a smooth splashdown in San Diego, California. The Dragon spacecraft touched down around 3:00 pm IST on Tuesday. Here is how Shubanshu Sharma and his team manage to succesfully managed to land on Earth after undocking from the International Space Station. (Pics/PTI)

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As soon as the Dragon spacecraft landed in US waters, Whitson was the first to exit the spacecraft, and a smiling Shukla followed a few minutes later.
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The Dragon spacecraft landed on Earth’s surface at around 3:00 pm IST on Tuesday in San Diego, California.

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After undocking, the Dragon spacecraft conducted a series of engine burns to securely separate from the ISS and commence re-entry procedures.
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The final preparations included disconnecting the capsule`s trunk and positioning the heat shield for atmospheric entry, which exposed the spacecraft to temperatures approaching 1,600 degrees Celsius.

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Soon after the spacecraft went through atmospheric entry, parachutes were deployed in two stages.
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The Axiom-4 mission marked the return to space for India. With this feat, Shubhanshu Shukla has become the only Indian to successfully go to the International Space Station.